Frequently Asked Questions
If a class has two sessions on different days or at different times—Session One meets on Saturday, Session Two meets on Sunday—does my child need to attend the class on both days?
No, the material taught in the two sessions is the same. You should register for only one session. Some classes, however, are taught in a series that runs for two or more consecutive weeks. If this is the case, your child should attend each day in the series for the duration of the class. For these classes, the dates in the series will be listed one after the other—for example, Session 1: January 10, 17, 24, 31; February 7.
Can more than one adult stay with a two- to three-year-old child in a class?
Due to space limitations in our classrooms, we ask that only one adult accompany each child. If they are interested, additional guardians and parents are welcome to join the class on Zoo walks.
Does FONZ provide the children with snacks or drinks?
No, FONZ does not provide children with snacks or drinks due to allergy concerns. For the two- to three-year-old classes, please provide your child with a peanut-free snack and drink.
Does FONZ have a policy regarding peanuts?
Yes, FONZ follows a strict peanut-free policy in classes. If you provide your child with a snack or lunch, please ensure that it is free of peanuts and peanut products.
Can a younger child be signed up for a class intended for older children?
No, all classes are designed for specific age groups. The material taught in the classes is age-appropriate. Only children whose age is indicated for a particular class may be registered. Please do not register your child for a class for older children.
What are the expectations of children's behavior?
All children are expected to behave appropriately throughout a class. If a child is continuously disruptive, a parent or guardian may be called to help resolve the situation. If the child’s behavior does not improve, the parent or guardian may be asked to remove the child from the class. No refund will be provided.
Can you accommodate children with special needs?
If your child has special needs, please
contact us
before registering for a class. Special needs will be accommodated to the best of our ability, but please note that FONZ staff aren’t specially trained to handle children with special needs.
Will children have direct contact with the animals?
No. For the safety and welfare of the children and the animals, there is no direct contact between the two. Some classes may include a tour of an animal exhibit, but children will not be able to touch or feed the animals.
Can you provide ASL/foreign language interpreters for parents?
Unfortunately not. However, most of the classes are very hands-on and our teachers are willing to communicate via non-verbal methods. You may feel that an interpreter is not required.
My child does not speak English. Is this a problem?
Generally this is not a problem. Especially in classes for two- to three-year-olds, a good portion of classroom time involves hands-on activities that can be completed with a parent. A short story or poem may be read, which may be accompanied by pictures and occasionally animal objects that children can see and touch.
What is the minimum and maximum number of children who can attend a class?
A class must have at least four children and no more than 12.
What is the refund policy?
A 75-percent refund will be issued if notification is received by the FONZ membership office via email, fax, or mail at least two weeks prior to the start of the class. No refunds or changes will be made thereafter.
